Things to See and Do in Cozumel Mexico

Cozumel is a well-established, world-class tourist destination located 12 miles off the coast of Playa del Carmen, Mexico's iconic Riviera Maya. Snorkelers and scuba divers from all over the world come to explore the abundant marine life on the island's reef. San Miguel is the island's major town with a population of 100,000 people. To navigate the island, you can grab a taxi outside the cruise port, however, at 30 miles long and 10 miles wide a scooter or bike is also an option. Here's some highlights of some things to see and do in Cozumel.

Archaeological Sites:

El Cedral

Just beyond Playa San Francisco, a paved highway heads inland 3.5 kms. to this, the oldest structure on the island. The earliest Mayan ruins on Cozumel Island are at El Cedral, which date back to 800 A.D. The Mayan settlement was formerly Cozumel's capitol and had the island's largest population. It was discovered by Spanish Conquistadors in 1518, who razed much of the Mayan temple, and then more of it was demolished during World War II by the United States Army Corps of Engineers to make space for the island's first airport. Today, only a small section of this once-impressive Mayan temple remains, but traces of original Mayan wall paintings are visible.

San Gervasio

The island's best preserved, largest and most visited ruins. The site is a group of small shrines and temples honoring Ix-Chel, the Mayan goddess of medicine, corn, weaving, love, and fertility. Mayan women would travel from all across the country to pray at the temples here. The settlement dates back to 100 B.C. and several temples still survive today. Take the trans-island road heading east from San Miguel. Turn left at the small sign and head north about 9.5 kms. The admission fee is currently $193 pesos/ $11 USD. Open daily 8am-4pm.

Snorkeling

Many of Cozumel's best spots are within splashing distance from shore. Equipment rentals are available throughout the island. The western side of the island is dotted with dozens of excellent sites.

Here are a few suggestions:

• Chankanaab Bay: teeming with fish and calm, clear water; several lime stone caves and tunnels make for great fun. You can also swim with dolphin's at a marine park here.
• La Ceiba Bay: a sunken aircraft wreck lies 150 yards off shore in about 25 feet of water, home to a plethora of colorful fish, colorful fish, coral, and sponges.
• Playa San Francisco: calm water and close-to-shore undersea delights. This beach has full-service amenities (dining, equipment rentals). Full day snorkeling and half day snorkeling excursions can be easily arranged upon arrival, and often include equipment and lunch. For non-snorkelers there are glass-bottom boat trips are arranged at most resort hotels.

Sportfishing

The area's exceptional diving overshadows the island's excellent fishing. Billfish, including marlin and sailfish, are caught within .5 km. of shore (season: March through June). Dorado, bonita, barracuda, amberjack and wahoo are caught year around. Most excursions leave from the Club Abrigo Nautico de Cozumel, located north of town near the airport. A popular billfish tournament comes to the island every May. Water Sports Windsurfing, sailing , jetskiing and waterskiing are also popular on the island's western shore. Nearly all resorts have water sports rentals. Playa San Francisco offers the widest range of watersports equipment.

Excursions

Beyond the island's waterside activities, there's plenty to see and do away from the shore. Since only about 5% of Cozumel's territory has any development, exploration centers on natural attractions (beaches, lagoons, jungle-like forests), Mayan ruins, and the relaxed city of San Miguel. The island's Mayan ruins and beaches can be seen easily in a day. There are also some "must-see" attractions on the main-land across from Cozumel. Some other land-based activities on the island include miniature golf, tennis, scooter & mountain bike rentals, and exploring the Cozumel's fine museum.

Punta Sur

One of the finest beaches on the island is Punta Sur Eco Beach, and a visit to this eco-park is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Cozumel. This 2,500-acre region is located in the south of the island. Exotic birds, crocodiles, sea turtles, lovely flowers, and stunning beaches can all be found here, making it the ideal destination for nature lovers. A lighthouse in the park provides stunning 360-degree views of the entire island of Cozumel — all you have to do is climb its 127 steps! El Caracol, a minor Mayan site in the park, is well worth visiting. Make certain you don't miss it. Currently general admission is Adults $18 USD and Children $11 USD.

Shopping:

San Miguel's waterfront boulevard (the Malecon) and the main plaza are the centers of Cozumel's shopping. Thanks to the island's duty free status and discriminating cruise ship clientele, Cozumel has stocked stores selling quality Mexican and imported items.

Dining:

Restaurants range from simple beach eateries to deluxe establishments. Chefs, cooks and waiters are sincerely eager to please and take pride in the quality of their fare -- seafood is pre-eminent and meticulously fresh. Dining centers around San Miguel. Expect casual atmosphere and friendly service. There is a surprising variety of ethnic / international dining, from Italian to French and Lebanese to Japanese, and of course you must try authentic Yucatecan specialties.

Nightlife:

Evening entertainment begins and ends early in Cozumel, compared to the rest of Mexico. Restaurants are full by 8pm and start to wind down by midnight. Most discos, clubs & larger bars can be found here, mainly in the hotel zone or in the marina. Some of the larger resorts have there own discos. Live tropical music is easy to find in many hotel lobbies.